Jobs and industries in Buncombe County
Employers in Buncombe County had an average of 136,495 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2024, with average annual pay of $58,785, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
The private industries with the most jobs in Buncombe County in 2024 were Health care and social assistance (23,432), Accommodation and food services (17,364), and Retail trade (17,265), the same data shows.
Where to reach the EEOC from Asheville
The EEOC Charlotte District Office (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) is at 129 West Trade Street, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28202. Asheville is about 99 miles in a straight line from that office, or about 123 miles by road, according to EEOC field office location data.
Population in Asheville and Buncombe County
Asheville's estimated population was 94,992 on July 1, 2024, up from 94,725 at the April 2020 census base, a change of 0.3%, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
Buncombe County's estimated population was 279,210 on July 1, 2024, up from 269,425 at the April 2020 census base, a change of 3.6%, the same Census Bureau estimates show.
Local facts on this page come from public sources including U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (2024 annual averages), U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, field office locations and U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2024 population estimates, listed below. Checked against those sources. Last updated October 2026.
Employment & Labor Cases in Asheville, NC
Employment and labor law in Asheville encompasses the diverse workforce of Western North Carolina's largest city. From the bustling downtown hospitality sector to major employers like Mission Hospital and Biltmore Estate, workplace disputes arise across industries. Asheville's growing tech sector and numerous small businesses also generate employment law issues ranging from wage and hour violations to discrimination claims. The city's progressive culture often conflicts with North Carolina's at-will employment laws, making experienced legal guidance essential.
Common Employment & Labor Matters in Asheville
Employment attorneys protect workers from illegal workplace practices including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage theft.
Why Hire a Local Employment & Labor Attorney in Asheville?
An Asheville employment attorney understands the local business community and has experience with regional employers and their practices. Cases are typically filed in Buncombe County Superior Court or the Western District of North Carolina federal court in Asheville, where local attorneys have established relationships and procedural knowledge that can benefit your case.
North Carolina Employment & Labor Laws & Deadlines
North Carolina employment cases must comply with state wage and hour laws, the North Carolina Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act, and various federal statutes with specific filing deadlines. See our North Carolina employment & labor page for more.
What to Know About Employment & Labor in Asheville
Employment & Labor Attorneys Serving Asheville & Suburbs
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